Chemistry I Syllabus and Course Overview – Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Course Overview

This course, Chemistry I at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, is an introductory general chemistry course designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in descriptive chemistry, fundamental principles, and essential problem-solving techniques. The course covers a broad range of topics aligned with standard general chemistry curricula, including matter, measurement, atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and laboratory skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Measurement and Significant Figures: Accurately take and report measurements using the correct number of significant figures.

• Physical vs. Chemical Properties and Changes: Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and changes.

• Electronic Structure and Periodic Behavior: Describe the electronic structure of elements and predict chemical behavior based on periodic table position.

• Periodic Table Organization: Explain the organization and content of the periodic table.

• Classification of Matter: Classify substances as elements, compounds, or mixtures.

• Chemical Nomenclature: Write names and formulas for common chemical compounds using the periodic table.

• Mole Concept and Dimensional Analysis: Use the mole concept and dimensional analysis to convert between grams and moles; express solution concentrations in molarity.

• Chemical Reactions: Predict products of common chemical reactions.

• Law of Conservation and Stoichiometry: Describe the law of conservation of matter and energy; calculate stoichiometric quantities in chemical equations.

• Chemical Bonding: Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding; describe the nature of chemical bonds.

• Lewis Structures: Write Lewis structures for common chemical species.

Course Structure and Policies

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required and impacts grades. Pop quizzes may be given.

• Class Conduct: Respectful behavior is expected. Disruptive students may be asked to leave and penalized.

• Electronic Devices: Cell phones must be off and stowed. Laptops/iPads for note-taking require permission and must be used at the front of the class. Electronics are not allowed during quizzes or exams.

• Blackboard: Used for communication, announcements, and homework assignments. Students must check regularly.

• Homework: Assigned via MasteringChemistry through Blackboard. Independent completion is expected. Failing homework results in course failure.

• Laboratory: Separate registration required. All experiments and reports must be completed in person. Failing the lab results in course failure.

• Quizzes: Frequent, in various formats. Some quizzes are dropped; no make-ups except for unavoidable circumstances.

• Exams: Four in-class exams; must pass at least one (≥60%) to pass the course. Make-ups require advance notice and documentation.

• Final Exam: Mandatory; must score ≥40% to pass the course. No make-ups for travel reasons.

• Honor Code: Academic honesty is strictly enforced. Cheating or plagiarism results in severe penalties.

• Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations through the ADA Coordinator.

• Student Support: Counseling and support services are available for students facing personal or academic challenges.

Grading Breakdown

Component	Weight
In-class Exams	40%
Lab	15%
Homework	10%
Final Exam	20%
Quizzes	15%

• Passing Requirements: Must earn ≥60% overall (no rounding), pass at least one in-class exam (≥60%), earn ≥40% on homework, and ≥40% on the final exam. Failing the lab or homework results in course failure.

Course Schedule – Spring 2026

Date	Lecture Topic
Mar 4	Introduction/Syllabus review
Mar 6	Matter (1.1—1.3)
Mar 9	Measurement & Uncertainty (1.4 – 1.5)
Mar 11, 13	Dimensional Analysis (1.6)
Mar 16	The Atom & Subatomic Particles (2.1 – 2.4)
Mar 18	The Periodic Table (2.5)
Mar 20	Molecular vs. Ionic Compounds (2.6 – 2.7)
Mar 23	Exam #1 Review
Mar 25	Exam #1
Mar 27, 30	Nomenclature—Ionic & Molecular (2.8)
Apr 1	Chemical Equations & Common Reactions (3.1—3.2)
Apr 3	The Mole & Molar Mass (3.3 – 3.4)
Apr 6, 8	Stoichiometry (3.6 – 3.7)
Apr 10	Limiting Reactants & Theoretical Yield (3.6 – 3.7)
Apr 13	Exam #2 Review
Apr 15	Exam #2
Apr 17, 20	Spring Pause - No Class
Apr 22	Solubility (4.1)
Apr 24, 27	Precipitation Reactions (4.2)
Apr 29	Neutralization Reactions (4.3)
May 1	Single Replacement Reactions (4.4)
May 4	Solution Concentration (4.5)
May 6	Stoichiometry—Reactions in Aqueous Solution (4.6)
May 8	Exam #3
May 11	Enthalpy (5.1 – 5.4)
May 13	Calorimetry (5.5)
May 15	Thermochemistry Practice
May 18	Electronic Structure (6.6 – 6.9)
May 20	Periodic Trends (7.3 – 7.4)
May 22	Covalent Bonding & The Octet Rule (8.1 – 8.3)
May 25	Memorial Day - No Class
May 26	Electronegativity & Bond Polarity (8.4)
May 27	Lewis Structures (8.5)
May 29	Lewis Structures & Formal Charge (8.7)
Jun 1	VSEPR Theory & Molecular Polarity (9.1)
Jun 3	Exam #4 Review
Jun 5	Exam #4
Jun 8	Review for Final Exam

• Note: Final exam date and time will be set by the registrar's office.

Key Topics Covered (with Reference to Standard General Chemistry Chapters)

• Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement (Ch.1)

• Atoms, Molecules, and Ions (Ch.2)

• Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry (Ch.3)

• Reactions in Aqueous Solution (Ch.4)

• Thermochemistry (Ch.5)

• Electronic Structure of Atoms (Ch.6)

• Periodic Properties of the Elements (Ch.7)

• Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding (Ch.8)

• Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories (Ch.9)

• Lab Techniques and Procedures (Lab component required)

• Mathematical Operations and Functions (Dimensional analysis, significant figures, etc.)

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and schedule. Students are encouraged to use the recommended OpenStax Chemistry textbook for additional reading and practice problems.

• For detailed explanations, worked examples, and practice problems, refer to the corresponding chapters in the course textbook as indicated in the schedule.